Longtime Trump attorney set to aid Trump amid probe

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s longtime attorney is joining a still-forming legal team that will guide the president through intensifying investigations into Russian interference in the U.S. election and his associates’ possible involvement.

New York-based attorney Mark Kasowitz has a history of working on Trump’s most nettlesome legal issues and is viewed as a trusted adviser, according to two people familiar with the decision. The team is expected to be filled out with lawyers with deeper experience in Washington investigations, said the people, who demanded anonymity because they’re not authorized to disclose personnel moves publicly.

The appointment last week of a special counsel to lead the federal probe ensures that the Russia investigation will consume increasing amounts of attention from the president and his aides. While the White House counsel represents the president in his official capacity, it is not unusual for the president to hire private attorneys in matters that could lead to personal liability.

Special counsel Robert Mueller has a broad mandate, allowing him to investigate both Russian influence and whether Trump sought to impede the investigation by firing FBI Director James Comey this month.

Trump has dismissed the Russia inquiries as a “witch hunt” and declared his campaign did not collude with Moscow to sway the 2016 campaign.

Neither Kasowitz nor the White House responded to requests for comment.

Trump’s legal team faces considerable challenges — not the least of which will be trying to rein in a difficult client. Legal experts note that Trump’s public descriptions of his conversations with Comey may have jeopardized any later attempt to keep such discussions confidential by claiming executive privilege.